Sony, the leading manufacturer of CMOS image sensors for smartphones, is reportedly preparing to launch a new sensor called the IMX966. This sensor is expected to have a resolution of 50 megapixels and a size of 1/1.4 inches, making it slightly smaller than the current flagship IMX989 sensor. The IMX966 is also rumored to feature optical image stabilization (OIS), which can improve the image quality and reduce blur.
Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to support the IMX966
The IMX966 sensor is likely to debut in the upcoming flagship smartphones powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor. This processor is the successor to the Snapdragon 888 Plus, which was announced in June 2023. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is expected to offer improved performance, efficiency, and connectivity, as well as support for advanced camera features.
According to Digital Chat Station, a reliable leaker on Weibo, the IMX966 will be paired with a new periscope lens from OmniVision, the OV64B. This lens will have a resolution of 64 megapixels and a 3x optical zoom capability. It will also have a dark-light design, which means it can capture more light in low-light conditions.
A new era of smartphone photography
The combination of the Sony IMX966 and the OmniVision OV64B could usher in a new era of smartphone photography, as these sensors will offer high-resolution, high-zoom, and high-stability images. The IMX966 will also compete with the LYTIA sensors from Sony, which are expected to have a higher pixel density and a stacked structure.
One of the first smartphones to feature the IMX966 and the OV64B could be the iQOO 12 Pro, a flagship device from Vivo’s sub-brand. The iQOO 11 Pro was launched in March 2023 with a 120W fast charging technology, a 6.78-inch AMOLED display with a 144Hz refresh rate, and a quad-camera setup with a 50MP main sensor.
Other smartphone makers that could adopt the IMX966 and the OV64B include OnePlus, Xiaomi, Oppo, and Realme. These brands are known for their innovative and premium devices that cater to different segments of the market.
The Sony IMX966 and the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 are expected to be announced by the end of 2023 or early 2024. They will likely set a new benchmark for smartphone cameras and processors, and offer consumers more choices and features.
